The BMW X7 replaces the V8 with a six-cylinder, but without losing its majesty among SUVs

The BMW X7 replaces the V8 with a six-cylinder, but without losing its majesty among SUVs


BMW’s most luxurious SUV got a 381-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine version instead of the 530-hp V8 in favor of environmental awareness

BMW’s most luxurious SUV in Brazil now has a “entry” version.so to speak. The big X7 won the variant at the country xDrive40i MSport, presented in September for R $ 999,950. It is significantly cheaper than the version M60iwhich for now remains in the brand’s catalogue, for R$1,282,950.

The difference is under the hood. The xDrive40i has one engine straight six cylinders From 3.0 liter, turbo, 381 hpinstead of the 530 hp 4.4-liter V8. The transmission remains the eight-speed automatic, along with automatically controlled all-wheel drive. According to BMW, the two versions will only coexist while the stocks of X7V8 last in stores.

According to the brand, the decision to bring a smaller engine reflects a global preference for less fuel-efficient models. Although it may seem that the target audience of a model costing R$1 million doesn’t care much about fuel consumption or emissions, BMW says it follows the global trend.

It could, according to Inmetro, the X7V8 average petrol consumption is 6.3 and 7.7 km/l in the city and on the motorway respectively, despite the mild hybrid system. The new version does not yet appear in the labeling program, but an X6 with the same 3.0 reaches 10.1 km/l on the road, much more acceptable average.

But also its main rival in Brazil, the Mercedes-Benz GLSit is sold in a single version, the 450 4Matic, equipped with a slightly hybrid six-cylinder, also 3.0, also with 381 horsepower. The price? R$989,900.

On the center console is the small glass gear lever, next to the rotary selector for the iDrive system, as well as the button for the parking brake and air suspension adjustment.

The two front seats are very comfortable, covered in Merino leather, with massage and various electrical adjustments. In the second row, the comfort level is about the same, with plenty of head and legroom for three occupants. It is also possible to electrically adjust the backrest angle and the distance from the front seats.

The third row seats two people, but don’t expect two average-sized adults to fit comfortably there. Even if he’s fine more spacious than a compact SUV or even a model like a Toyota SW4people above 1.70 will have to travel with shorter legs due to the higher floor. But There is also an Isofix attachment for child seats in the third row..

Heavyweight ballet

On the move, the X7 doesn’t hide its 5.18 meters in length and over 2,500 kg, but it doesn’t intimidate the driver in the slightest. In contrast, the X7’s command post places the driver above most other cars and SUVs on the road (even midsize pickup trucks), giving the driver complete confidence in driving the large SUV in traffic.

It’s hard to hear the engine in the cabin, or even hear it running. When stopping, the start-stop turns the engine off and on again practically without being noticed, except for a slight vibration, almost intentional, to differentiate it from an electric car. The 381 HP, however, are there and the SUV accelerates vigorously, despite its two and a half tons. According to BMW, it takes 5.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

The driver assistance systems work with discreet intervention. Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitors help keep the X7’s mass in place, while adaptive cruise control makes highway driving easier. There are also 360° cameras and a reversing assistant, capable of memorizing a maneuvering path and automatically redoing it when you exit a complicated space, for example.

On the road at cruising speed the X7 behaves almost like a large luxury sedan. Silence prevails, broken only by the excellent sound system 1,450 watt Bowers & Wilkins speakersand rarely by the murmur of the six cylinders, more shrill than the rumble of the V8.

Driving a car of this “caliber” is an immersion in a very particular universe. It is worth considering that the third row can be used not by children, but by employees, and that the lower consumption of the six-cylinder can be a further point in terms of safety, since stopping at the station exposes the precious occupants to the dangers of an approach.

Looking at it this way, the X7 has some points that might displease. The power window buttons are made of plastic, as well as the lower parts of the center console also have a hard plastic that does not quite correspond to the millionaire label of the model.

These are points that don’t denigrate the model, but they may annoy anyone willing to spend that kind of sum to race with the best of the best.

Pro

The six-cylinder engine can expertly haul the almost 5.20 meters of the X7. The eight-speed gearbox does its job almost imperceptibly and always keeps the engine in the best power delivery range.

Against

However, some materials in the passenger compartment could be of better quality, such as the plastics used in the buttons and coverings in the less noble areas of the passenger compartment.

Technical data sheet

BMW X7 xDrive40i MSport

  • Motor: front, petrol, 6 cylinder, petrol, mild hybrid
  • Exchange: automatic, 8 speeds
  • Energy: 381 HP
  • Couple: 55 million kgf
  • Length: 5.18 m
  • Length: 2.00 m
  • Height: 1.83 m
  • Wheelbase: 3.10 m
  • Trunk: 300/750/2,120 litres
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.8 seconds
  • Maximum speed: 250 kilometers per hour
  • Suggested price: R $ 999,950

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Source: Terra

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